ESS lecture 8

Using Indigenous Values to Guide Sustainability (Lorraine Whitman)

Keynote Speaker Introduction

• Speaker: Elder Dr. Lorraine Whitman

  • Family Background: Granddaughter of Chief Louis Peters, daughter of Chief Joseph Peters, raised in Middleton, Nova Scotia.

  • Education: Rehabilitation practitioner; graduated from Grant McEwen Community College and the University of Alberta.

  • Career: Worked 30 years in Kluskap First Nation; roles included education counselor, social development officer, and elected counselor.

  • Leadership Positions:

    • 2017: Elected President of Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association.

    • 2019: Elected President of Native Women’s Association of Canada.

  • Advocacy: Focused on the rights of Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse communities, especially concerning missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

  • Recognition: Received an honorary doctorate of humanities from Acadia University for her advocacy work.

The Importance of Indigenous Values in Sustainability

• Discussion Topics: Use of Indigenous values and teachings for sustainability over the next seven generations.

• Values Framework: Introduced the Seven Sacred Teachings as foundational for understanding Indigenous sustainability practices.

Seven Sacred Teachings

• 1. Love:

  • Fundamental spirit is positive; personal journey influences positivity or negativity.

  • Importance of nurturing love from family and community.

  • Advocated for compassion, particularly regarding women's rights and issues.

• 2. Respect:

  • Importance of self-respect; experiences growing up without luxury but learning to respect oneself and others.

  • Emphasized the need to treat everyone with respect; cultural practices influence this respect.

• 3. Courage:

  • Courage shown through education and facing personal challenges.

  • Recognized bullying in schools and workplaces and the need for support.

• 4. Honesty:

  • Importance of knowing oneself and one's history; encouraged connection with family to understand personal narrative.

  • Honesty leads to personal growth and understanding.

• 5. Humility:

  • Humility encourages self-awareness and acceptance of one's limitations.

  • Recognized that being a leader involves humility and service to others.

• 6. Truth:

  • Truth in Indigenous culture encompasses one's name and identity; connectedness to community.

  • Notions of truth are critical in discussing historical injustices faced by Indigenous people.

• 7. Wisdom:

  • Wisdom gained through life experiences; acknowledged the importance of the beaver as a symbol of foundational work and community building.

The Concept of Sustainability in Indigenous Culture

• Seven Generations Principle:

  • Importance of considering the impact of actions on seven future generations.

  • Sustainability predominantly relates to vital resources such as water and land.

• Water as Sacred:

  • Provided insights on the cultural significance of water, especially as a life-giving necessity for all.

  • Advocated for women as water carriers and protectors of water resources.

The Importance of Community Engagement

• Engagement in Spiritual Practices:

  • Urged attendance at water ceremonies, respecting connections and responsibilities within the community.

  • Discussed shared experiences through community gatherings and ceremonies.

The Story of Glooscap

• Legend of Kluskap:

  • Creation of Kluskap from three strikes of lightning symbolizes life and connection to the earth.

  • Kluskap teaches communication with nature and the importance of being a protector of the land and resources.

  • Return of Kluskap: The message that sustaining the earth and its resources is pivotal, with Kluskap promising to return when communities are in dire need.

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts: Emphasized the collective responsibility to protect resources for future generations and the need for community collaboration.

• Encouraged participants to embody and share at least one sacred teaching in their daily lives.